People who are involved in any motor vehicle accident may suffer serious injuries. One that’s possible is a spinal cord injury. These sometimes produce lifelong effects, including paralysis. The type of damage, the location of the injury and other factors can all play a role in how the person heals.
Spinal cord injuries are divided into two categories – complete and incomplete. This is based on what type of feeling or movement the victim has below the level of the injury.
How do complete and incomplete injuries impact healing?
Typically, a person who has an incomplete injury, which means they have some sensation and ability to move below the injury, will have a more comprehensive recovery than those who have a complete injury. A person with a complete spinal cord injury won’t be able to move or feel below the injury. This is due to the severing of nerves in the area of the injury.
In an incomplete injury, there are still some nerve attachments. This enables better healing in the area, which can improve recovery. Physical therapy and other medical care can also improve the chance of a better recovery.
Anyone who’s involved in a motor vehicle crash should have a medical exam. If you show any signs of a spinal cord injury, including an inability to move or back pain, and evaluation for a spinal cord injury might be in order. You may opt to pursue a claim for compensation for the damages you suffer because of the injury. This may include missed wages, medical bills and other expenses that are related to the wreck. There are time limits in New Jersey to get these cases filed, so act quickly.